Put the following in your .vimrc file:

" Shortcut to rapidly toggle `set list` nmap < leader > l : set list !< CR > " Use the same symbols as TextMate for tabstops and EOLs set listchars = tab : ▸\ , eol : ¬

If you like, you can customise other invisible characters besides tabs and end-of-lines. For more information, run :help listchars .

You can customise the syntax highlighting colours of invisible characters with the NonText and SpecialKey keywords. In my prefered colourtheme, I have added the following lines:

"Invisible character colors highlight NonText guifg = #4a4a59 highlight SpecialKey guifg = #4a4a59

Unicode characters can be inserted by typing ctrl-vu followed by the 4 digit hexadecimal code.

Symbol Unicode Name ¬ U+00AC not sign ▸ U+25B8 black right-pointing small triangle ☠ U+2620 skull and crossbones ❤ U+2764 heavy black heart ‽ U+203d interobang

Further reading